SAISD-UTSA Connection
UTSA is committed to providing high-quality, affordable education for anyone who wishes to pursue a degree. SAISD-UTSA Connection is a tuition promise program that aims to make college more accessible and affordable to graduating high school students from the San Antonio ISD from middle- and low-income families. Qualifying students will have their tuition and mandatory fees covered 100% for up to four academic years (eight consecutive fall/spring semesters) as long as students maintain eligibility.
How does it work?
Students do not have to apply separately for this program. SAISD-UTSA Connection is automatically awarded to qualified Texas residents who meet the program qualifications. Tuition and mandatory fees are covered by scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds.
** Students who meet all eligibility criteria will be covered by SAISD-UTSA Connection up to the available unmet financial need. For an explanation of unmet need please refer to our FAQs section**
Students will not see a fund called “SAISD-UTSA Connection” on their financial aid offer, but a combination of funding awarded that covers tuition and mandatory fees. Note: SAISD-UTSA Connection does not cover books, housing or meal plan. However, students will have other aid offered to help with these expenses.
How do I qualify?
New first-time freshman fall applicants can qualify for the SAISD-UTSA Connection program if they meet the following qualifications:
Be a Texas Resident
Submit a FAFSA/TASFA by May 1† and have financial need*
Graduate of a SAISD school
Admitted to UTSA by April 15†
Rank in top 50% of high school class
Enroll full-time (12 credit hours or more) each semester
Note: Students in an online only program are ineligible for SAISD-UTSA Connection.
† Due to FAFSA and TASFA delays, we’ve extended the 2024-2025 deadline to May 1. UTSA will use our usual priority deadline of January 15 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Note: the State of Texas’ deadline is April 15 (which includes Texas Grant).
*Student must have financial need. Family income information will be determined from the FAFSA/TASFA. Student must have graduated high school within 16 months of initial enrollment as a first-time freshman. Students must meet the above criteria at the time of admission.
Continuing Eligibility
To continue to receive the SAISD-UTSA Connection, students must meet the following eligibility qualifications.
- Submit a FAFSA or TASFA by April 15† each year.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Complete a minimum of 24 hours in fall and spring semesters (12 credit hours per semester). Dropped or Attempted courses will not be counted as earned hours.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.
† Due to FAFSA and TASFA delays, we’ve extended the 2024-2025 deadline to May 1. UTSA will use our usual priority deadline of January 15 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SAISD-UTSA Connection?
SAISD-UTSA Connection is part of the UTSA’s effort to make college more affordable for our students. Incoming fall freshmen who qualify will have their tuition covered 100% for eight fall/spring semesters. The semesters must be taken consecutively within a 4-year time period (approx. $40,000 value across four years) and eligibility must be maintained. Tuition is covered by scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds.
How does SAISD-UTSA Connection Work?
For eligible students, UTSA will use sources such as scholarships, grants or tuition exemptions that come from the federal, state and institutional levels to cover tuition.
How long can a student participate in this program?
Students who qualify for the SAISD-UTSA Connection will have their tuition covered for a maximum of 8 fall and spring semesters, or 4 consecutive years of enrollment.
When did this program start?
This program began for first-time freshmen entering UTSA in the Fall of 2021.
Who is eligible?
Students who meet the following qualifications:
- Be a Texas Resident
- Submit a FAFSA/TASFA by April 15† and have financial need*
- Graduate of a SAISD school
- Rank in top 50% of high school class (at time of admission)
- Admitted to UTSA by April 15†
- Enroll full-time (Complete 24 hours in the Fall/Spring semesters)
† Due to FAFSA and TASFA delays, we’ve extended the 2024-2025 deadline to April 15. UTSA will use our usual priority deadline of January 15 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
*Student must have financial need. Family income information will be determined from the FAFSA/TASFA. Student must have graduated high school within 16 months of initial enrollment as a first-time freshman. Students must meet the above criteria at the time of admission.
How do I apply?
Students are automatically considered if they are qualified Texas residents who meet the program qualifications.
**Please note that if a student is selected for verification and the family income changes after validating tax information, this could impact eligibility for the SAISD-UTSA Connection.
Does a student working on a second bachelor’s degree qualify?
SAISD-UTSA Connection is for first-time freshmen seeking their first undergraduate degree.
Does SAISD-UTSA Connection apply to graduate/professional programs?
SAISD-UTSA Connection is for first-time freshmen seeking their first undergraduate degree.
If I transfer to UTSA, will I be eligible for SAISD-UTSA Connection?
At this time, SAISD-UTSA Connection is offered to first-time freshmen seeking their first undergraduate degree.
Does SAISD-UTSA Connection cover part-time enrollment?
To have tuition covered, students must maintain full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours).
Are These Awards Renewable?
Yes. As they are renewable for up to 4 years in the fall and spring semesters for full-time, new freshmen students in order to support timely graduation. To renew eligibility, you must enroll full-time in fall and spring, submit a FAFSA or TASFA by April 15† each year, maintain a 2.0 UTSA GPA, successfully complete a minimum of 24 hours and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.
† Due to FAFSA and TASFA delays, we’ve extended the 2024-2025 deadline to April 15. UTSA will use our usual priority deadline of January 15 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Can SAISD-UTSA Connection be applied toward summer enrollment periods?
SAISD-UTSA Connection covers tuition for fall and spring semesters only.
How can I get assistance with paying for my housing and meal plan expenses?
When you file your FAFSA you will have the opportunity to many forms of aid including potential for works-study and federal direct student loans.
Can SAISD-UTSA Connection be used for study-abroad programs?
SAISD-UTSA Connection is to be used to cover UTSA tuition and mandatory fees.
Can my SAISD-UTSA Connection status change?
Yes, changes caused by verification or errors on your SRAR grade submission may affect eligibility for SAISD-UTSA Connection and other financial aid awards. A final high school transcript is required to confirm final eligibility.
How much financial assistance will I receive with SAISD-UTSA Connection?
Yes. For student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) that determines financial need, tuition and mandatory fees will be covered through scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds. A student’s SAI, as determined by the US Department of Education, is included in the SAISD-UTSA Connection calculation and may impact the award amount. A student’s SAI has the ability to reduce Financial Need. For an explanation of Financial Need, please refer to our FAQ’s under the question, ‘What is Financial Need?’
What is financial need?
Financial Need is the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) and the expected family contribution (SAI). (Financial Need = COA – SAI).
What is unmet financial need?
Unmet Financial Need, sometimes referred to as a gap, is the difference between Financial Need and the student’s need-based financial aid awards.
(Unmet Financial Need = Financial Need – Financial Aid).